• Colossians 4:16
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 16 καὶ And ὅταν whenever ἀναγνωσθῇ might be read παρ’ beside ὑμῖν YOU ἡ the ἐπιστολή, letter, ποιήσατε do YOU ἵνα in order that καὶ also ἐν in τῇ the Λαοδικέων of Laodiceans ἐκκλησίᾳ ecclesia ἀναγνωσθῇ, it should be read, καὶ and τὴν the (one) ἐκ out of Λαοδικίας Laodicea ἵνα in order that καὶ also ὑμεῖς YOU ἀναγνῶτε. might read.

  • Colossians Study Notes—Chapter 4
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 4:16

      read the one from Laodicea: Paul here refers to a letter he wrote to the Laodicean congregation, a letter that we do not possess today. (Compare study note on 1Co 5:9.) Reference to this letter indicates that Paul wrote letters in addition to those that became part of the inspired Bible text. The letter mentioned here may have repeated points adequately covered in canonical letters. At any rate, Paul’s statement here reveals that important letters, such as Paul’s, were circulated among the first-century congregations for public reading. (1Th 5:27) There is in existence an apocryphal letter purporting to be from Paul to the Laodiceans that was likely written about the fourth century C.E. However, it was never considered canonical by the ancient congregations.​—See Glossary, “Canon (Bible canon).”